What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blurred
Example
The photo came out blurred because the camera was shaking. [blurred: adjective]
Example
Her vision was blurred after she got something in her eye. [blurred: past tense]
obscured
Example
The tall buildings obscured the view of the mountains. [obscured: verb]
Example
The meaning of the poem was obscured by its complex language. [obscured: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blurred is more commonly used than obscured in everyday language, especially in the context of photography or visual arts. Blurred is a versatile word that can be used in various situations where clarity or focus is lacking. Obscured, on the other hand, is less common and has a broader range of meanings beyond just visual effects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blurred and obscured?
Both blurred and obscured can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, blurred is more commonly used and may be considered slightly more informal compared to obscured, which has a slightly more formal tone.